Circumcised the eighth day,— Under circumcision when eight days old. Piscator and Homberg. It evidently appears, that the Jews did not only lay a great stress on the rite of circumcision, but on the time of performingit; that is, exactly on the eighth day. This consideration, and the particulars enumerated by St. Paul, must be understood as plain evidences, that the Apostle had more reason to trust in the flesh, than the person upon whom he reflects; and therefore it seems highly probable, that this person was only a proselyte, and not a Jew by birth. We may collect the same from the phrase, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; by which he seems to mean, that he was not a Hellenist Jew, as probably the person who endeavoured to seduce them was. Comp. Acts 6:1, where the Hellenists are contra-distinguished from the Hebrews. See also Romans 11:1. 2 Corinthians 11:22.Acts 23:6.
Related Commentaries of Philippians 3:5
Philippians 3:5
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;